Teen Skin Care

Beauty is a multi-billion dollar industry, which means makeup and skin care companies will be looking for your attention. Some of these “beauty” products contain substances that may actually cause skin problems over time. Reading labels on whatever we buy is an important skill. Simple and natural is safest and best.

Cleanliness is the simple basis of all beauty. Now that you are growing up, society expects you to know how to care for your body. Shampooing and bathing, washing feet and underarms, and changing clothes, especially blouses and socks, keep us feeling and smelling fresh.

Whatever we use to wash our bodies should have a pH of 5.5, which is close to the pH of our skin. Alkaline products (above pH 5.5) strip the protective coating from the skin. This invisible coating is made of oil and sweat. The loss of its protective coating can cause the skin to go wild in the production of oil, furiously trying to replace the protective layer that was lost. This excess oil can clog the pores and actually cause skin blemishes. Alkaline bubble bath products can irritate the tender skin of the urethra and cause pain during urination.

You can check the pH of products if you are interested in doing so. Inexpensive pH testing kits are available at drug stores and pet stores. Soap, whether in liquid form or a bar, is always too alkaline. The liquid washes or gels are usually the correct pH to protect the skin.

If you want to use a deodorant, please read the label carefully. It is important that it not contain aluminum, which is associated with many health concerns. Potassium alum, on the other hand, is considered safe.

Blemished skin can be treated with raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, which has many healing properties and is pH 5.5. Splash or dab it on blemished skin after bathing. If you continue to be troubled with skin blemishes, consider strengthening your liver, which is your body’s cleansing organ. Milk thistle is an herb widely known for supporting liver function. The extract of milk thistle is stronger and more effective than the ground herb powder and is available in any health food store or food co-op.